50 The Scottish Naturalist. 



turned to the attainment of a general confederation. Each group 

 of societies will be able to estimate how federation may best be 

 carried out in individual cases, but, in the meantime, we will 

 mention some ideas that have occurred to us on the subject. 



It should be premised that it is in connection with the various 

 societies in the east centre of Scotland that we have been induced 

 t "» discuss this subject, and the scheme may best be explained by a 

 short sketch of how federation might be carried out amongst these 

 societies. 



The area in question includes the two districts defined for zoo- 

 and phyto-geographical purposes, as " Tay " and " Dee," or in 

 other words, those parts drained by the Tay, Dee, and Don, and 

 the rivers between them. From a natural history point of view. 

 "Tay" and " Dee " have much in common. Within their 

 boundaries lie the two chief alpine districts of Scotland, and, as 

 regards the lowlands, their productions are very similar. It seems 

 therefore fitting that they should, to a certain degree, be "worked" 

 together. 



In this area there are societies at Perth, Dundee, Arbroath, 

 Montrose, Aberdeen, and perhaps elsewhere — altogether eight or 

 nine in number. They are all within a few hours' reach of each 

 other, so that it is possible for the members of any of them to 

 attend — so far as distance is concerned — without much difficulty, 

 a meeting at any of their respective head-quarters. 



As initial steps to confederation each society should appoin: 

 one or more delegates, and all the delegates should meet at some 

 selected place to discuss the basis of union. It must be remem- 

 bered that, of course, it is not proposed to interfere in the slightes: 

 degree with the independent existence and autocracy of any 

 society, but simply to receive joint and combined action in carry- 

 ins: out the objects for which all the societies have been founded. 

 How this may be best attained it is for the delegates to consider, 

 but the following amongst other points should be discussed : — 

 The appointment of a standing committee (of representatives of 

 each of the societies) to conduct the affairs of the union ; an 

 annual meeting to be held at the headquarters of each of the 

 societies in rotation ; the desirability of meetings in addition to 

 the annual meeting ; the source whence the expenses of the union 

 are to be defrayed, &c. There still remains to be considered the 

 special objects on which joint action by the societies forming the 

 confederation should be taken, but this is a matter that can best 

 be discussed at the first general meeting:. 



